The introduction of minimum pricing for alcohol would reduce deaths and hospital admissions for high-risk drinkers, a major study reveals.
The new research in the 'Lancet' medical journal examined the effects if cheap drink was outlawed in the UK – by making it mandatory to charge at least 45p (54 cent) per unit.
The Irish Government has pledged to introduce legislation here later this year. Scotland is planning the same move, although it was shelved last year in England and Wales.
The study, which will be useful for the Government in fighting off criticism from the off-licence industry, says that minimum pricing for alcohol of 45p (54c) per unit would cut deaths and hospital admissions among high-risk drinkers who purchase large quantities of low-cost alcohol.
But it would have negligible effects on low-income moderate drinkers' alcohol consumption and spending, according to the University of Sheffield study.
The model, which analyses how consumers respond to price changes, estimates how those in different income brackets and socio-economic groups would change their drinking habits and spending if a minimum price for alcohol was implemented.
It also explores how different income groups would be affected by alcohol-related deaths, illnesses and the overall costs to the health service.
Source: Eilish O'Regan, Irish Independent, 10/02/14
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